Gulliver's Travels

Wow! I did it! Last movie of the year!

This film, loosely based on the 18th century novel of the same name by Jonathan Swift, is about Lemuel Gulliver, who tries to be a travel writer to impress a girl (don't we all) and ends up taking an assignment near Bermuda when things go wrong and he winds up on an island called Liliput where he is surprised to see that all of its citizens are the size of his pinky.

If you are looking for a story that would give the original book justice, than be surprised when you watch this. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the film, but wasn't expecting it to be like anything except for a family film. It takes place in modern times and has humor, at times, similar to Monty Python bits. Jack Black is his usual self, and the rest of the actors actually do a great job (Amanda Peet, Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, Billy Connolly, and Chris O'Dowd). The film is full of silly humor which I, personally, was laughing at--however, some may find it childish (which is probably why I enjoyed it).

Anyway, I would watch it again, because it has many clever scenes and it makes me laugh.

Overall Grade: A


-Ethan Brehm

Little Fockers

This is the third in the trilogy following the relationship between Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) and his father-in-law, Jack Burns (Robert De Niro)--although the films are about a lot of other things as well, the main storyline revolves around Greg and Jack. In this film, which takes place 6 years after the second film, Greg and his wife, Pam (Teri Polo), have 5-year-old twins--one boy and one girl. Jack and Greg further their relationship as Jack, the family patriarch, appoints Greg as his successor, and then further analyzes him to see if he can live up to this title.

Now, this film may not be as good as the first two, but I still think that it was a good film (partially because I just love all of the characters and could probably watch them in any scenario presented to them). But the reason why this film may not be as good as the first two could be because there is a new director, and half of the screenwriting team did not come back for this one. The jokes in this one were of the same taste, but not AS funny as the first two. Don't get me wrong, I still laughed out loud several times during this one, its just that the jokes weren't as memorable as the first two. If this film never had the first two films to compare it to, it would have been better received by the critics. The thing that I love about these films is that they don't rerun jokes over and over again from the prior films--they all have jokes that are unique to their individual storylines. It cheapens the sequels when films rely on successful jokes from the previous film to ensure an "easy laugh," when all this does is kill the joke. But these films don't step into that territory--they are all well written. I love these films so much and could watch these characters over and over again, as they have so much depth and personality.

As a film, this one was good, but don't say I didn't tell you that the first two are better--just don't think about that if you go see it. Nonetheless, if you are a big fan of the first two films, this one is worth seeing.

Overall Grade: A


-Ethan Brehm

The King's Speech

This film, based on a true story, is about King George VI (Colin Firth) who has a bad stammer when he talks. Geoffrey Rush plays speech therapist, Lionel Logue, who tries to help the King with his problem.

I loved this movie! It's so inspirational and powerful! Both Firth and Rush give amazing performances as the two leads. It keeps your attention the whole time and is never boring, nor is it more serious than it has to be (there are some really funny parts). This movie was brilliant! It was clean, classy, and straight-to-the-point. There was some brief cursing, but that's about it. It has a great message about overcoming your fears. It's not some over-artsy film-snob film, but a film that everyone can enjoy.

Don't judge this film by its synopsis, because it is very interesting and entertaining.

Overall Grade: A+


-Ethan Brehm

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

This is the third film in the Narnia series, and it is the last in the Pevensie children trilogy. It takes place 3 years after the events in the second film and only features the youngest 2 kids (Lucy and Edward) because the oldest kids have gained everything they could from Narnia and can no longer return. In this film, Lucy and Edward are joined by their cousin, Eustace, who is very skeptical and doesn't get along with Lucy and Edward. The three are set out to find the seven lost lords, with the help of Prince Caspian, in order to save Narnia from becoming corrupt. All the characters are tested as they journey to Aslan's country.

This film is on par with the rest of the films in the series. One of the things that I like about these films are that the acting is great--even on the children's part. The character development was fantastic! The story was very well executed in this film. It presented a very darkening feel to Narnia as they get closer to corruption. The effects were great--probably the best so far out of all the films. I think this film--moreso than the second film in the series--has great potential of recruiting new Narnia fans and expanding its audience. People don't necessarily have to see the second film in order to understand this one--it kind of stands on its own. Although, it could help with certain references. This film also will go over well with the Christian fanbase because of some dialogue towards the end of the film.

I love these films and hope they continue the series!

Overall Grade: A+


-Ethan Brehm

The Fighter

This is a film starring Mark Wahlberg as boxer, Mickey Ward, and Christian Bale as Mickey's half-brother, mentor, and former boxer, Dicky Eklund. Growing up in a bad neighborhood, Mickey tries to make a name for himself and get a better life than the one his family has provided for him.

You may think that you have seen this film many times before, but you will find that you are wrong. This film was great! It's hard to say that I've seen a better acted film all year, if not in the past few years. Bale's performance may be one of the top 3 acting performances that I have ever seen. His character possessed him and he was perfect. If he doesn't win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor I will be upset and extremely surprised. You don't even recognize him in the role. The film isn't so much about boxing as it is about Ward's escape from his life. It's not an overdramatic melodrama, but a light-hearted movie about life and the relationship between Mickey and his family--especially his brother. It will make you laugh several times throughout and is never too slow. It may be predictable, but as you watch it, you never find yourself trying to guess the ending because you are so enthralled with what is happening on the screen.

Overall Grade: A+


-Ethan Brehm

Black Swan

This film is a darker take on the ballet, Swan Lake. The play requires one dancer to play both the White Swan, who is innocent, and the Black Swan who is more aggresive and sensual. Nina (Natalie Portman) is a ballerina dancer who wants to play the lead, but she is only seeming to fit the White Swan role, however Lily (Mila Kunis) is another dancer who is perfectly fitting to play the Black Swan. Since the role requires only one dancer, Lily must either find her innocent side or Nina must find her darker side.

The concept for this movie is actually really great...and so is the acting. However, I find myself not really being a fan of this film because it is too melodramatic. I feel like I have now seen Natalie Portman cry way more times than I had ever wished to in my lifetime. Though, I cannot deny that this is a good MOVIE, even though I may not like it so much. It is very strong and artistic. The music is perfect for the piece, and so is the cinematography. Everything about it is great except for the movie itself (if that makes sense). So I will take both into consideration.

Overall Grade: B


-Ethan Brehm

True Grit

This Western by the Coen Brothers is a rare film for the genre nowadays. Hailee Steinfeld plays Mattie, a young girl who seeks revenge on her fathers killer, Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). She asks Deputy US Marshal Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) if he would hunt down Chaney for her. Meanwhile, Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) also is attempting to track down and kill Chaney because of another murder he committed in Texas.

The acting and casting is great in this film--especially 14-year-old Steinfeld. I wouldn't be surprised if she recieves an Oscar nod. The character depth is also well thought out and executed, but maybe not the best character development. The writing was great in this adaptation of the book, and the cinematography will also likely get nominated for some awards. It's a very simple film and a good Western. I just wish that I walked away feeling a bit more fulfilled--similar to how I felt after The Hurt Locker, but not as much so. However, this really is a great film that doesn't rely on a "good looking" cast to move it along. It captures the audiences attention the whole time, it just wasn't as moving as I would have hoped--but it IS a Western after all, so I guess that might come with the genre.

Overall Grade: A-


-Ethan Brehm